VALUE IN DEBATE

CAMPAIGNER Karen Rowles and federal MP Karen Andrews are right to engage in the debate about expansion of the city’s public transport system. So too are the proponents and army of supporters behind the extension of the success story that is the Gold Coast’s light rail.

Ms Rowles fears for koalas that live in the green belt from Burleigh Headland west through the bushland along Tallebudgera Creek. Of course they must be protected, and everything must be done to look after their habitat when the light rail is extended beyond Burleigh.

Ms Andrews is correct in calling for heavy rail to be given priority, so that the line extends past Varsity Lakes down to the airport and Coolangatta. It is high time politicians stopped sitting on their hands with this. But the city needs both – light and heavy rail – to help meet transport needs.